Learn about the differences between Microsoft retail products and volume licensing products available through the VLSC.

Learn about the differences between retail products and products available through the Volume Licensing Service Center.

Microsoft products donated through Stifter-helfen are volume license products. When you request a volume license product through Stifter-helfen, you're actually requesting a license, not the product itself. Volume licenses are different from licenses for retail products primarily because they can apply to different versions of the software, can include Software Assurance benefits, and have different product terms.

Volume Licensing products have slightly different terms from retail products. To view the detailed terms for a product, download the latest Product Terms document from Microsoft's Volume Licensing site.

Sometimes the Volume Licensing products are slightly different from their retail counterparts. For example, the Windows upgrade products allow you to upgrade from business versions of Windows only and not the home versions.

Check the Stifter-helfen product descriptions for this information.

See below for an overview of product terms for desktop software.

Summary of Product Terms for Desktop Operating Systems

You must acquire a license for each computer or device on or from which you access or use the software (locally and remotely). This device becomes the "licensed device."

You may install only one copy on the licensed device or in a virtual (or otherwise emulated) hardware system on the licensed device.

You may use the software on up to two processors on the licensed device at one time.

In Volume Licensing, the desktop operating system license is an "upgrade license." You may acquire upgrade licenses only for devices for which you have already licensed a "qualifying" operating system.

Summary of Product Terms for Desktop Applications

You must request one copy from Stifter-helfen for every computer or device on which the application will be installed. This device becomes the "licensed device."

You may install and use any number of copies of the software and of any prior version of the software on the licensed device.

Only one user may use the copies on the licensed device at a time. You may also install a copy on a portable device for use by the single primary user of the licensed device.

Organizations that install the application on a network device for remote access should read the entire product terms.

Product distribution:

Products will be distributed under this program to qualifying organizations and libraries only, not to individuals.

Products are intended only for use by paid nonprofit employees and unpaid full-time equivalent (FTE) staff who have material day-to-day managerial, operational, and fiduciary responsibilities, and who will not use the license for personal income generation. Volunteers, members, and beneficiaries of the nonprofit are not eligible for nonprofit licenses and subscriptions.

Recipient organizations may not transfer or resell Microsoft products to other organizations, including partner nonprofits or legally independent sister organizations.

Microsoft products may not be installed on computers that will be given to or sold to other organizations or individuals, even as part of a charitable program.

Software Assurance Benefits

Software Assurance is a collection of benefits included with Microsoft products requested through Stifter-helfen. These benefits include free software upgrades, Office Multi-Language Packs, Office suites for use at home, e-learning courses, and more. See a full list of Software Assurance Benefits included with Microsoft Donations.

Remboursements et Renvois

If you wish to return one or more products from the Microsoft IT Donation Program, the entire delivery must be returned via Stifter-helfen. Please note: Windows full version - Get Genuine is excluded from return.

A return of Microsoft products can only be accepted under the following conditions:

the IT donation will be returned within 60 days of receipt

the software has not been installed

the product keys stored with the VLSC have not yet been activated.

Please send an e-mail to info@stifter-helfen.net with the subject "Return of the IT donation" and complete the following information in the text of your e-mail:

Name of the organization

Tax number according to the exemption certificate (or a comparable letter about the non-profit character by the responsible tax office)

order number

Reason for returning the IT donation

Or call us at +49 (0) 22 41 / 14 64 08 - 0 and we will inform you as soon as your account is reset.

Please allow approximately 10-15 business days for the refund of the administration fee and the reset of your account on the online platform.